Heating Myths That Could be Costing You Money

Heating your home can be expensive, especially when winter is at its worst. It's essential to make sure you are using your heating system in the most efficient way possible to save money on your energy bill.

Unfortunately, many people believe myths about heating their homes that aren't true and that cost them extra money. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the most common heating myths and dispel them once and for all!

Myth 1: Closed Vents Save Money

One of the most common heating myths is that closing vents in unused rooms will save money. This is not true! In fact, closing vents can actually cause your heating system to work harder and use more energy. If you want to save money on your heating bill, make sure all of the vents in your home are open and unobstructed.

Myth 2: You Should Turn Your Heater Off Completely While Away From Home

False! Instead of turning your heating system off completely, you should lower the temperature on your thermostat so that the heating system will run occasionally. Why? If you turn your system off completely, it will need to run for much longer and use much more energy to return your house to a comfortable temperature once you’re back home. Your system will use less energy if it’s allowed to run every so often to maintain a relatively consistent temperature.

Myth 3: You Need to Keep Your Whole House Hot to Protect Your Pipes

Another common heating myth is that the plumbing pipes will freeze if the whole house isn't hot. This is also not true! Pipes can freeze even if the rest of the house is warm. The best way to prevent pipes from freezing is to insulate them properly and keep a consistent temperature in your home.

If your local weather station issues warnings about freezing pipes, open your kitchen and bathroom cupboards so that your home’s warm air can reach the plumbing. Also, let your faucets run at a trickle: this prevents a pressure build-up that leads to frozen pipes bursting.

Myth 4: It’s Cheaper to Heat Your Home With a Space Heater than a Central Heating System

Many believe it's cheaper to heat a house with an electric space heater. However, this is not always the case. Electric heaters can be more expensive to operate than other types of heating systems. In addition, electric heaters can be a fire hazard if they are not used properly. If you use an electric heater, follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully and never leave it unattended.

Myth 5: Heating System Tune-Ups Are a Scam

This couldn’t be further from the truth. Tune-ups are essential for your heating system to operate as efficiently as possible for as long as possible.

Even in the cleanest homes, heaters and air conditioners become coated with dust that inhibits their efficiency. What’s more, after regular use, the equipment can loosen, lose lubrication, fall out of alignment, and develop any number of problems. These “smaller” problems are easy to fix during a maintenance (or tune-up) appointment. However, if those minor problems are ignored, they can lead to much more significant, pricey repairs down the road.

We Can Help with Your Heating Needs

If your heater needs an upgrade or simply requires regular maintenance, we can help. Call us at (408) 669-3496 or contact us online to schedule your appointment today!